EAAD provides an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of the older population throughout the state.

Each year in the United States, an estimated 5 million older persons are abused, neglected and exploited.

In addition, elders lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food and medical care.

This statewide observation coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.